What I Learned Riding Big Adventure Bikes The Last 7 Years

[@TACOMOTOCO]

This is a hell of a video and a solid bit of education breaking down bike types

[@squid148]

I went through a similar progression. As far as adventure bikes, I started out with a GSA and quickly found out that it wasn’t the off-road bike that I hoped for. It was a fantastic road bike, that I took on several long trips with. Recently I purchased a KTM 500 excf. I almost bought the 890, but started to think about what would I do if I ran it off the trail and couldn’t get it unstuck. The 500 is one of the lightest dual sport bikes there is and is built with the intention of riding it off-road. I recently went on a off-road event where a lot of people were riding the middle weight and big bikes and when we ran into mud they were all over the place. They had to turn back when it didn’t effect my 500. Now I currently have a BMW 1250 RT also that I use for long distance road trips. No bike can do it all.

[@brantfurr986]

Your story is very much like mine... I rode street bikes for years, and decided I was going to dip my toes into the ADV world... So I sold my Honda Valkyrie, and bought a Yamaha Super Tenere, and got in over my head on a trail, and realized I needed to learn to ride dirt on a small bike. So I traded my Super Tenere for a KTM EXC-F 500, and absolutely love it. It has made me a much better rider off-road... Now, I'm starting to miss the long-range comfort of my adventure bike... I'm starting to think a new Suzuki 800DE would look really nice parked next to my KTM... I think your assessment is spot on.

[@jacobmaxfield6878]

This video should be a mandatory view at the dealership prior to any motor bike purchase. Every Sales man should say " right this way to watch How to purchase a motorcycle" Well Done good sir!!!

[@Cyberviper8]

i'm so close to buying my 450. just saving for a larger down payment at this point.

[@Auskiter]

Well said mate!!! I’m from Victoria Australia and 47 years old!! I started out on my DR650 (my first bike) in 2018!!! Then desired that I needed a “big” bike to tour with my wife. Picked up a near new Triumph Tiger 1200 which was stunning on the road…. But I was rapidly learning that I loved to detour off road to look around…. Both the cost and the weight made me not see things I wanted to!!! So I sold it!!! I then picked up a Husky 300 2 Stroke and started shredding single track, playing in the paddock and really learning and working on my technical skills!!! From this I came up with my personal mantra!!! Light is right!!! So added a Husky FE501 as my ultra light ADV!! Could not be happier!!! Would love to sell the DR and replace it with a KTM 790/890 and likely will… just finding it hard to let go my first bike!!! I am fortunate to be able to have three bikes!!! But like you, I have learnt my riding style!! 1. I love off road!!! 2. You can’t beat a well pre-paired 2 stroke for hard enduro 3. A 2 stroke sucks on open road 4. The 500/501 is bloody brilliant compromise!!! (Much like your 450L) Stay well mate

[@perfectlynormal5729]

You are a wise man. I'm 67 and have ridden all my life. It took me a heck of a lot longer to come to the same conclusion that you did.

[@ironhorsegladiator5034]

You are absolutely correct, then there are riders that buy BMW GSA and trash it in less than a year and buy another GSA. The RT is best for longer rides. I don't think you are an average rider as you know how to handle a heavy GS. Ask yourself, how many riders been to Alaska like you did? I am planning to ride up to Alaska on my GSA next Summer 2024.

[@650nelson]

I downsized from a 990 t0 a 390. Yup that's right, 390. Goes 70 mph all day , gets 60 mpg, goes off road where I want to go. Got over tent camping awhile ago so packing light is easy. I whole heartily agree dual sport is the best way to enjoy the trails, have one of those too. I'm in Vegas tas well, see you out there one day!

[@arcadegamesify]

How are the vibes of the 390 adv? I'm having a hard time dealing with the handlebar vibes on mine, considering selling it for a 800de..

[@jambroz65]

I really enjoyed the whole story and agree with your conclusions! I started with a WR250R and then got a 790 Adventure R. I thought I was working my way up to a 1250 GS but also learned that the middleweight is the sweet spot. Thanks.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Watching this video and thinking to myself "I like this guy. He tells it like it is." Good on you man. Need more no BS no ego content like this floating around YT.

[@MobMoto]

Thanks, I appreciate that.

[@headwinded1948]

It's weird how similar our stories are. Grew up as a teen riding dirt, switched to sport bikes in my 20's, and then just stopped riding for decades. Came back to the sport wanting to go "anywhere" and bought a GSA... eventually got tired of wrestling the thing around off-road, and moved down (up?) to a T700, and a dedicated second street bike to scratch that particular itch. While I love the T7, and it's a fun project bike to try and make as off-road capable as possible, I can absolutely see moving again to something like a Beta RRS in the future. Weight on these machines is the #1 game changer, and also the one thing that no amount of mods can significantly solve. The way I see it this: As a rider, where do you want to suffer the least? Because you absolutely are going to have to compromise in one arena to benefit in the other. Answer that honestly, and bike buying becomes much easier.

[@justsomedude445]

horsepower is fun and suspension is awesome totally game changing

[@justsomedude445]

ive had dozens of dirt bikes both 2cycle and 4stroke and small 1cyl dual sports inc a 690 ktm , then 1 x 1000vstrom , 1 x bmw1150gs , 1 x 1190adv ktm , 1x 990 ktm , 1 x 1090r ktm , and now i have 1-901 Husky (with full custom Tractive Extreme suspension) and a 300xcw(truth be told i have not ridden last or this year yet) truth you spoke the truth !! different horses for different courses

[@brianennis5291]

Well said. Great advice/feedback. I ride KTM 1290 SAR and 500 EXCF. As you said, they both have there place. The 1290 replaced my Honda CBR 954RR and Yamaha FJR 1300. Don’t miss either of them.

[@biophillie]

Totally agree.. It really comes down to where are you planning to ride.. ?%Street, ?%Dirt. What is the terrain like where you ride off-road? Do you ride alone, or in a group? Answer those and make the appropriate choice. No one bike covers it all. Its all a compromise. In my 50's, I restarted with an XR650L and built it like the old days. Great bike, but even with 2 oil coolers, it ran too hot to be reliable on the desert highway. Sold it. (big mistake) Got the Africa Twin.. Same story. Too heavy for off roading in the western sierras which are sandy and I'm alone. The ol bod doesn't handle the heat and workload like the brain still wants to. 2 or 3 drops in 90-105 degree weather and looking at getting in trouble with heat stroke. This little CRF450L is turning out to be a little jewel. After spending the bucks on the necessary items to make it run right, it's impressing me more every time I ride it. Will take her to the Reno Air Races this year and moto camp. Can't wait!

[@81722Les]

i will never stop loving listening to you man!

[@BigRockMoto]

Great advice here, I hope people and especially newer riders listen to this.

[@MobMoto]

Thanks Ian! We have had the conversations before!

[@georgesolomon5696]

You are 100% correct. My situation is just about the same as yours. I've had A LOT of bikes over the years. I also had a BMW GSA which I rode all over and did some offroad. Im 175 pounds at 5'5" but always rode big bikes. I got a 23 890R in March and its soooooo much easier to handle than the GSA. Lilke you, I also have a dual sport 22 KTM 500 EXC and it feels like a mountain bike compared to the GSA and very fun to ride.

[@SH-qq3fb]

Thumbs up Rodney for another great video! My story is similar to yours and I live in Las Vegas as well. When I got back into motorcycle riding I bought a 2nd generation KLR and soon learned it is not like my Suzuki RMZ 250 (like I had in high school) when it comes to the nasty desert roads or single tracks. I don't even see the big adventure m/c's trying most of these roads. I use the KLR for mild off road and asphalt, a Hayabusa for sport touring, and just need something super light and barely road legal for the nasty offroad sections but alas....I haven't won the lottery yet :) Hope to see you out riding some day or do a Mexico trip with you. Keep up the good work.

[@adventuremulemoto]

Yup. 100% ! Been following you forever Rodney. I know your journey and always appreciate it when you tell it like it is. There is NO unicorn bike. Period. End of story. I have used up a couple GS's, working on a third and now have added a FE 501S to the garage. My journey and yours continues...keep up the good work!

[@MobMoto]

Both great bikes!

[@opsadventures2290]

Nailed it Rodney! Need the right tool for the job, so sort out what job you want to do. Everyone needs three bikes!

[@Passinthru]

Excellent story telling Rodney! We all need this type of honest first had knowledge and user experience information. You have compiled alot of amazing footage over the years - well done, great video! You at Get on Fest in SD? Ride safe!

[@brianh8484]

I’m about to turn 50 and just bought my first adv bike (T7). I’ve been riding off road (and racing back in the day) for 42 years and was going to sell my KTM 500 because I figured I wouldn’t be using it. After a few rides I quickly realized I’m keeping my 500. So now I have a 300, 500 and the T7. Good combo but if I was to sell one the T7 will be the first to go. When I ride it I want to be off road and when I get to the off road stuff I’m wishing I was on my 500. Now I just need more time to ride.

[@keithhayward6027]

Your experience is exactly my experience! I love the truth! When you go down off road they are all heavy. Never have I fallen over on flat ground. Uneven surface pick up is a killer!.

[@adv_rider]

Completely agree with you, having owned 3 Big GSs from 1100 to 1200 and 1200LC. These bikes are capable off road but not fun. It's good for tractoring your way on some adventure trip but not for Sunday ride off roading.

[@MavRikBMW]

Great informative video, excellent advise and tips on this one as always! Keep 'em coming, Ride safe! 😊🏍

[@ruedigerfriebel8454]

Done the same thing. Started on a GS 1200 (selling it at the moment), then bought a Tenere 700 (still loving that bike) and then bought me the crf 300. For switzerland i love the Tenere , for riding in the Balkan-Countries, i am using the CRF. Light is right. But for a swiss mountain pass, the crf isnt powerful enough to enjoy it, but the tenere is. My recommendation is: Really think what ypou want to use the bike for 70% of the time and then chosse the bike you need. And be hnest with yourself :-D At the moment i am looking at the Kove 450, on paper it looks amazing. But i am not sure about service intervalls.

[@650thumper]

Honest and informative. I was considering upgrading to the big GS but think now I'll just stick with my middleweight Tiger 800 for touring and get a DRZ for off-roading. Always good to get an average rider's perspective. Thanks.

[@scottmiller4516]

Well said, I got a 2019 GS and then in 2021 got the Honda 450 CRF for off road stuff and it fits on the bumper of the pickup. The GS is great for hard pack roads, camping and cruising around.

[@autowerkesexclusive]

Fantastic video and realistic advice. I got back into riding a few years ago with a BMW F800GS. I replaced that with a BMW F850GSA and rode it to the Arctic Circle and did the Continental Divide from BC to New Mexico and back. The bike is very good off road and fantastic on the hwy. I see no need to move up to a 1250. Having said that, I will be looking for a smaller dual sport for riding local trails as there are some areas I'd like to ride that just aren't suited to 850.

[@gregoryprice2593]

Amen. I have a R1200GS Adventure, and I won't be taking that bigass beast offroad. I bought an older Yamaha XT600 dual sport for the offroad stuff, and it's fantastic fun. It's half the weight of the GS, and way more manageable on single and double tracks.

[@Avensur]

That is absolutely indeed right 👍 my friend. If you got the money to spend in anything you want just to have the most expensive equipment and show off, then go ahead. I just want to travel and enjoy the ride to the farthest point on earth 🌎 without struggling myself. And yet, drink my cup of coffee ☕ by a beautiful lake.

[@OneManTrail]

I have a T7 and a 1250GSA. I’m one of the few that would rather take my GSA on BDR’s than my T7. I just mesh really well with that bike. I’m holding out for Honda to make a 450L Rally with long service intervals 😅

[@ruedigerfriebel8454]

Wow, why prefer the GS over the T7? What u like more about the gs offroad?

[@OneManTrail]

@@ruedigerfriebel8454 For one, the GSA is way easier to pick up as it never really falls over. It’s just that everything my T7 can do when loaded with a bunch of gear, the GSA can do better. Once you load up the T7 with all your gear and water and spare fuel or an aux tank, it becomes a big heavy bike. So if I’m going to ride a big heavy bike I may as well ride one built to carry the weight properly and have the power you need and the excellent brakes, the long fuel range, and the cruise control. Off road, its a tractor the same as the T7 is, they are both nearly stall-proof but the balance still goes to the GSA.

[@ruedigerfriebel8454]

@@OneManTrail that is one way to see it it. Have fun and stay safe.

[@rolandwheeler4842]

Truth Spoken! Every motorcycle is a compromise. I ride a WR250R set up for lightweight adventure touring and moto-camping. It is the perfect off-road ADV bike IMO. However, when I want to take that trail that forces me onto the highway I cringe. Thought about swapping out for a CB500X, but that bike is 150lbs heavier and I would never take that bike on the trails I tackle without a second thought on the WR. No one bike can do it all the way we expect them to.

[@texlee1640]

My adventure riding started with dual sports (DRZ/KLR), I then worked my way up to an Africa Twin, then back to an enduro 450, then I snagged a KTM 890 which I thought was going to be the end all-be all answer and now I am back on a 500 and I couldn't be happier. The middle weights do a decent job of bridging the gap between long distance hauler and off-road dirt bike but they are a compromise in every way. Of the offerings in the middle-weight class the 890 R stands above the rest IMHO. A 450/500 enduro properly built into an ultra light-weight ADV bike is in my opinion the very best option for those who truly want to explore off-road without sacrificing handling or dealing with enormous weight. I have found that the 500 will always have a place in my stable while all of the others come and go.

[@MobMoto]

I agree

[@mollygrubber]

Great video, I hope some new people to the sport watch this. It will save them a lot of money, pain and regret. Me: 1200 - 800-650-500-300. Thinking about a Trail 125 now lol. But my CRF300L is pretty much perfect - for ME.

[@DirtbikeXpeditions]

Bikes are a lot like shoes…the bike is best selected by the type of riding you do…while you can play basketball in dress shoes, you will not be as good at it as you would be in a good pair of high tops…

[@AndrewChristopherEnriquez]

I love my bmw g650gs. Is too big to be a true dual sport but it’s on the lighter end of the middleweight adventure bike. Nice and low and capable. I hope BMW starts Making them again.

[@richardvargas6219]

great commentary.... stay with it!!!!

[@mikemerrill175]

Love my GS and use it both on and off road on Jeep road type riding where it does very well. That said for what I call “REAL” off-roading, knarly single track, mud, hills, I take my Husky 350.

[@donnie1581]

7:50 is so gorgeous!!

[@MobMoto]

Glacier National Park - The road to the sun

[@julietharty1965]

Greetings from Australia. Very honest review indeed, a very popular bike here for full adventure off road stuff and still reasonably priced is the Suzuki DR650, they seem capable of just about anything. I have GS and its great for long distance and gravel road but I wouldn't take it into the Aussie bush as like you say if you drop it and there is no one to give you a hand and its a problem in the aussie summers for sure. I am currently looking at the 450cc market which I think is the size for me for proper dirt riding. Thanks for the video and its honesty, enjoyed watching it.

[@terratrodder]

Great video and message. My first interest was mid-sized KTM or similar but I figured it would be too much bike for me at the time so I settled on the CRF 450L. It's been amazing, slowly added mods for light adventure, it's capable of anything (even if I'm not). Quite comfortable with 30+ lbs of gear and I don't do expert stuff so have less aggressive tires on it which run very well on the highway. One of my better life decisions. 😄

[@Fernando90054]

I prefer, whenever it’s possible to ride a GSA to work than driving there in my car. It can carry all my stuff in the side cases for instance . On my riding to urban areas it’s easiest and cheaper to park a motorcycle (even a big one) than a car. Here, we can filter through the Traffic and you’re never stuck in it’s jams. It’s a different state of mind, a better one. I agree that on off-road, the big GS can be difficult compared to lighter bikes. I privilege the tarmac not the dirt trails. So I take immense pleasure of the off road nature of the bike on the public tarmac roads, because in real life it is more compatible with the road than in other environments and worth the right tyres it is a beauty . I like the high body position of it, we see everything in front in a upper angle of the view. The low centre of gravity of the bike hides well it’s weight and you can do very tight maneuvers with it, like you couldn’t on other type of motorcycle or motorized vehicle and it offer decent wind protection on longer rides. Nice video . Thanks 🙏🏼

[@kseth6992]

Motorcycle maturity

[@johnshropshire3399]

Thanks for the insight 👍

[@theorthobiker]

I ride a sporty, but I have been bitten by the adventure bug, and I am constantly scanning the motorcycle landscape for what my second bike would be when I am ready to get one.

[@AT2021Rocker]

What gets me is the perceived superiority of a lot of bmw GSA owners. GSA’s are not the ultimate adv bike, there is no ultimate adv bike. It comes down to what the rider wants and how good the rider is. I love my ATAS but it’s not perfect, but it works for me.

[@OneManTrail]

It’s hard riding a GSA around because of this. I’m just a regular dude riding solo in the back country and people see my bike and assume I’m a Starbucks elitist asshole. When I’m on my T7, everyone is friendly lol.

[@ferkuzuel]

I went from the big gsa to the most basic and lighter f800gs, but non of them have ever been on to Starbucks, parking lot, I reder be on lfire roads or drinking my coffee on a camp site Cheers

[@ZeLogicnator5k]

100% get two bikes if you can, you have to compromise way less. Though I think 3-4 is ideal for my riding needs. Right tool for the job as they say. Similar situation. Rode sport bikes for along time, but changed it up the last 9 years and went from a 1190 to a 701 to a 350. Yes, smaller CC are tiring on the highway (going 75+ on tarmac with something like a Motoz Tractionator Enduro gets squirrely imo). But on dirt and trails....sooo much better. So I just plan out my routes to avoid highways as much as possible. I don't know if I'll ever go back to liter bikes. Might pick up a 901/890 for 2up, but solo I am sticking mainly to 500 or less. What I have learned from this progression, over the last 9/25 years, of moving away from riding tarmac roads and track. I like: - Very nimble, well balanced bikes; - Going fast still, but 25-40 on flowy dirt doubles is more fun to me now; - Doing tarmac twisties still (even on the 701 with 50/50s it's a blast) - Being able to enjoyably do 1-3D singles if I want (I just have no desire for slow, hard 4D+ Enduro. Too many injuries from my 20's). If I could go back to the start of my dirt journey, I would have gotten something similar to the CRF300 or 450.

[@davesmith2150]

I had a 2002 ktm 525 that was the best bike off road, I have a 2021 HD fatboy and nothing can compare to it its the sickest street bike i ever rode 2up loaded 90mph with highway pegs on the crasbar its bliss. I think you really need 3x bikes and a utv if you can afford them, ducati makes a 900 super moto bike I forget the name but looks like a good high performance all-around bike

[@MobMoto]

I want a lowrider ST

[@mikemerrill175]

No you need 4: 2 stroke trail bike; 350-500 dual sport, sport bike for the track days, and a touring bike for long distance rides, and then, 3 battery tenders. 😀

[@erickelly7161]

Freaking great video. I met you a few times at rallies btw had a great chat. I have a 1250 gsa and a ktm 690 enduro r, which I'm selling. I'm thinking of getting a nordin 701 expedition and if I like that then selling my gsa. WHAT are your thoughts on the ktm 390 adventure??? As a small bike for someone who has to ride a bit to find dirt and wants comfort?. A heavyweight adv is for those that ride to camp NOT for those who camp to ride. Btw I'm doing Idaho bdr solo in 3 weeks.

[@MobMoto]

390s are good.

[@ericnphx5585]

Never say never! 😂

[@LazyJack2003]

I simply would not call a big GS an Adventure bike. Conjures up all kind of wrong images. I´d call it a "Travel Enduro" or an "Off tarmac Tourer". Now, those terms may not sound right in native English speakers´ ears ( I am German), but they describe what the GS is made for. (Long distance) touring, with the occasional gravel & forest roads included. Having said that - even for that mix I´d prefer eg a Tiger 900 RallyPro.

[@ΚωνσταντινοςΑναγνωστοπουλο-χ2υ]

100%right

[@electricaltimelapsetest5713]

Haha I remember... the video you puked in. 😆

[@papaduck1000]

Dead on

[@Calbertone]

truth

[@onerider808]

Beemer commercial...no thanks.